Comments on: Minnesota Thunder Release Players from their Contracts

By: Jeff Wolter

Jeff Wolter — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:17:32 +0000

VIVA MN THUNDER

By: Brian Quarstad

Brian Quarstad — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:22:57 +0000

Chris:

1) I know approx. what the Thunder owe, but thats off the record. I would HOPE Mr. Johnson would be willing to sell the team because quite frankly, at this point, there is no one that is going to want to do business with him anymore. He has burned all his bridges while talking about stadium plans for the future and funding academy teams. Meanwhile life has been happening the the Thunder have adversely effected peoples lives by lack of payments to individuals, organizations and corporations. I would think that team would be valued at the price of it’s debt at this point. But I’m not a finance guy so what do I know.

2) The AGM’s are in a week and a half. It would virtually be impossible I would think.

3 and 4) USL-2 is all east coast based at this point. I would think that if the team were sold, perhaps the USL would allow the team to field a PDL team for a year until they get organized for 2011.

5) Dean Johnson does not seem to be commenting or calling anyone back that I am aware of. I did notify him of the article that came out on Friday a whole week before, telling him that he had a chance to comment but he never returned the email.

Thanks to everyone for the kind comments. I have several calls out to people that might be able to shed some light on a few details.

By: Soccer Boy

Soccer Boy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:20:37 +0000

It looks like Tom Petters will be in jail for quite some time; Glen Taylor does not have a clue how to run an organization. You would like the Pohlad family might have a few bucks sitting around. (At least the MN Thunder are already playing in a soccer-specific stadium.) My wife is unemployed, and I only have $100 left in my checking account–payday is not for another week.

I hear Denny Hecker is looking for new investment opportunites!?!

By: Z

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:00:34 +0000

I don’t think there are enough people who would be interested in paying for the travel costs of a USL-1 team in MN, even if all the players agreed to play for free.

By: CI

CI — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:37:51 +0000

A co-op similar to the Green Bay Packers could be developed. Season ticket holders would be the primary stock owners with an elected board of director. Players could be given membership rights. I’m sure the value of the team has plummeted so the price would be ideal. Capitalization would be the primary issue as well as unpaid fees to USL. Would the USL welcome the Thunder back?

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:19:56 +0000

Reading Brian’s stories and the corresponding comments is like reading a CaringBridge website for someone with a serious illness.

Well, someone could organize an effort to try and buy the Thunder along the lines of Ebbsfleet United being bought via a website created by soccer fanatics to pool together to buy a Club where they would have input on significant club decisions. The organization was myfootballclub.co.uk.

No players, no coach, no league, and significant debt makes the Thunder a sporting property with few assets beyond the name and associated history.

I think there would be room on the jersey for a small “Inside Minnesota Soccer” patch . . .

Just some thoughts . . . anyone else have better ideas?

Otherwise we are just waiting for the obituary.

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:45:22 +0000

Really appreciate the reportage here, Brian. I’m reloading this site constantly throughout the day in hopes that I’ll know where I’ll be enjoying my afternoons next year.

I do hope you’re able to get some official reaction from the team and league ownership, as your blog is the only kind of coverage and news those of us that care about this team have access to.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:30:15 +0000

Brian,

1. Is there an approximate valuation for the Thunder if it were to be sold?

2. If sold, what is deadline for rejoining USL for next season (presuming owed $$$ taken care of)?

3. Are we possibly looking at USL-2?

4. What is the best-case scenario for the Thunder to be playing next year?

5. What has been the official reaction from the Thunder (i.e. the owner) about Friday’s story?

By: Demolition Man

Demolition Man — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:29:22 +0000

First of all thanks Brian for the constant updates on what’s going on. Without IMS I don’t know where to go in regards to any MN soccer news. With that said and done I still hope things can work out in the end and the Thunder will still be around. Losing the Thunder is quite frankly a big blow to soccer here in MN. Anyone who says otherwise has no right in even calling themselves a soccer fan period…. which yes includes you “Football Fan.”

On the upside and completely off topic…. I’m happy the LA Galaxy won tonight over Chivas USA. Landon Donovan’s penalty kick that won the game for the Galaxy was beautiful. Looking forward to the LA vs Houston game this Friday.

By: Neal

Neal — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:26:05 +0000

I AM GUTTED BY THESE DEVELOPMENTS